Guide on Improving a Motorhome's Luster

Guide on Improving a Motorhome's Luster

Cleaning, Polishing, and Maintaining Your Motorhome: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selling a motorhome or simply maintaining its pristine condition requires a meticulous cleaning and polishing routine. Here's a guide to effectively clean and polish your motorhome, ensuring it stays in top shape.

Pre-clean Preparation

Start by using a pH-balanced car wash soap that's gentle on wax or sealant layers. For heavily soiled RVs, consider applying a decontamination product to remove iron particles, industrial fallout, and pollution before washing.

Washing

Adopt the two-bucket method: one bucket with soapy water, one with clean water to rinse the wash mitt, preventing dirt reintroduction. Use microfiber or wool pads to wash the exterior, avoiding abrasive brushes to protect the finish. Thoroughly clean all areas, including the sides, roof, tires, mud flaps, and entrance steps. Rinse thoroughly using spot-free water to prevent water spots.

Drying

Use a drying aid to remove water spots and lubricate the surface for polishing. Dry with high-quality microfiber towels to avoid scratching.

Polishing and Restoration

For oxidation and dullness, especially on gelcoat or fiberglass surfaces common in motorhomes, use specialized restoration kits like Poli Glow®. This product removes oxidation, stains, mold, and mildew, then seals the surface for a slick, high-gloss finish. When polishing, follow the product instructions carefully for best results.

Waxing or Sealing

After polishing, apply a wax, sealant, or ceramic coating for long-lasting protection against UV damage and elements. Ceramic coatings provide semi-permanent protection that outlasts traditional waxes. Reapply as needed depending on use and exposure.

Spot Cleaning

Remove tough spots like bug residue or tree sap with a small amount of alcohol, but be aware this might strip wax, so re-wax afterward.

Product Recommendations

• pH-balanced car wash soap for gentle cleaning.
• Poli Glow® restoration system for oxidation and gloss restoration.
• Ceramic coatings or quality waxes for durable finish protection.
• Microfiber or wool wash mitts and towels to safely wash and dry without scratching.

By adhering to these steps and using suitable products, you can maintain a clean, polished, and glossy motorhome exterior that looks like new while protecting it from damage caused by the elements.

Important Considerations

• Always check your van's warranty before undertaking DIY projects.
• When cleaning a motorhome, use the best motorhome cleaner, such as Autoglym Motorhome and Caravan Cleaner or Fenwicks Motorhome Cleaner.
• The dirtiest part of a motorhome is often the roof, requiring special attention during cleaning.
• Ceramic coatings from brands like Paintseal or Diamondbrite offer an invisible protective layer and make cleaning easier.
• Polishing a motorhome creates a protective shell against tree sap and bird droppings.
• Exercise independent judgement and take safety precautions when following the advice.
• Apply the motorhome polish using a sponge pad or a clean cloth, rubbing it on in a circular motion to work it into the surface.
• The better brands of motorhome polish are likely to have more of the good ingredients but will be more expensive.
• Polishing a motorhome makes the walls and roof hydrophobic, causing rainwater to bead and roll off.
• After cleaning, use the best motorhome polish, such as ones from Autoglym, Silky, or Care-avan.
• Cleaning a motorhome effectively before polishing is an important step to avoid inadvertently rubbing contaminants into the bodywork.
• There is a risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products.
• Older motorhomes with a powdery glass fibre finish can benefit from a quality polish.
• Autoglym Super Resin Polish is available for purchase for $22.98.
• Polishing a motorhome is a maintenance task that is worth doing to protect and keep it looking its best.
• Owatrol Gelcoat and Surface Restorer is a repair solution for faded or dull surfaces.

1. To maintain a motorhome's pristine condition, consider applying specialized restoration kits like Poli Glow® for oxidation and dullness, especially on gelcoat or fiberglass surfaces.
2. When cleaning a motorhome, utilize the best motorhome cleaner products, such as Autoglym Motorhome and Caravan Cleaner or Fenwicks Motorhome Cleaner, for effective results.
3. Applying a ceramic coating from brands like Paintseal or Diamondbrite will provide an invisible protective layer, making cleaning easier and offering semi-permanent protection against UV damage and elements.
4. To maintain a clean, polished, and glossy motorhome exterior, follow product instructions and advice carefully, and utilize sponge pads, or clean cloths for applying motorhome polish, such as from Autoglym, Silky, or Care-avan.

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